Setup Microsoft Authenticator (MFA) App (Two Device Method) (With Video)

SMU Office365 Account Setup With Microsoft Authenticator App Using The Two Device Method

Follow these step-by-step instructions to setup your SMU account on the Microsoft Authenticator App using the Two Device Method. This requires you to have your mobile phone that you'll be installing the Authenticator app on and a computer/tablet in front of you. If you'd like to do the full setup by using only your mobile phone, see this ARTICLE for steps. It is recommended to use this method over the one device method as it's faster.

Step 1: On your mobile phone, open the app store or play store and search for and download 'Microsoft Authenticator'. Ensure that it's the correct authenticator app that matches the one shown in the image below.

           Microsoft Authenticator App

Step 2.1: On your computer, visit portal.office.com and login with your SMU email. When you get to the screen shown below, click "Next"

There is a video of the setup attached to the article to the right that you might find helpful.

More information required

Step 2.2: At the next screen as shown below, click Next to setup the Microsoft Authenticator app

NOTE: If you've already logged in and the screen below did not appear, click on your initials in the top right corner -> Select 'view account' and under Security info, select 'update info'. Select 'Add sign-in method' and in the drop-down menu, select 'Authenticator app'. Click 'Add' and you'll get to the screen shown below.

Keep your account secure

Step 2.3: Click 'Next' in the next screen

Set up your account with Authenticator App

Note: Step 3.1 to Step 5 needs to be taken in a quick timely manner to prevent any errors.

Step 3.1: When you get to Scan the QR code shown below, open the Authenticator app you downloaded on your phone and follow through step 3.2. (Don't click next yet) If you clicked next before you added your account, refresh the page and start over.

Scan QR Code

Step 3.2: In the Authenticator app select the + button to add account

plus button

Step 3.3: If it prompts a message asking if you have a back up, click continue

Step 3.4: Select 'Work or school account'

work or school account

Step 3.5: Select 'Scan QR Code'

Option to select Scan QR Code

Step 3.6: Use your phone camera to scan the QR code on your computer in step 3.1. Once you scan the QR code, the account will be added on your mobile Authenticator app. Hit Next on your computer with the screen showing in step 3.1.

Step 4: You'll get a randomly generated two-digit code similar to the image below, please proceed to step 5 quickly once the code is generated as it expires within a few seconds

Important Note: During the registration period in your first time registering for MFA, you may not get the two-digit code and it'll only ask you to approve the sign-in that'll show up on your authenticator app.

         Two digit code

Step 5: When the two digit code appears, the Authenticator app will send you a notification to open it and enter the two digits on the app to allow the sign in

                Approve sign in

Step 6: Select "yes" to approve and you should get the below message

Notification approved

Step 7: Select "Done" to complete the setup.

Success

Congratulations, you have setup MFA on your account! What's next? review the Using Microsoft Authenticator App (IOS & Android) article that explains what you'll expect and how many times you'll need to authenticate per week. Lastly, if you'd like, set up Passwordless authentication so that you can access a trusted device without having to enter a password. Only the two-digit number is required. To set it up, wait 3 days after the first time registering your account in the MS Authenticator app and visit this article HERE.

Was this helpful?
61% helpful - 23 reviews